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Geography
Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean after Sardinia and Sicily.
It lies 70 kms. From Turkey, 100 kms. From Syria and 320 kms. From Egypt.
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Climate
Mediterranean climate, with long dry summers from mid-May to mid-October and
with mild winters from December to February, which are separated by short autumn
and spring seasons.
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Language
Turkish.
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Religion
%99 Muslim, %1 Orthodox, Maronit and Catholic
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Capital City
Lefkoşa (Nicosia) Population 39,176.
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Other Cities
Gazimağusa (Famagusta) population 27,637 , Girne (Kyrenia) population 14,205
, Güzelyurt population 12,865 , Lefke population 6,490 , Yeni İskele population
2,814.
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Area
3,355 kilometer square.
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Population
200,587.
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Language
Language is Turkish but English is widely understood.
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How To Come To North Cyprus
The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus can be reached by both sea and air.
By Air; Cyprus Turkish Airlines, Turkish Airlines and İstanbul Airlines provide
an important network from international airports to Ercan via Turkey. For the
timetables, prices and information, inquiries can be made at the offices of
the above mentioned airlines and also from the travel agents and foreign representatives.
By Sea; There are scheduled ferry-boat services from Mersin to Gazimağusa (Famagusta)
three times a week. There are daily sea-bus and ferry services from Taşucu to
Girne. Also from Alanya, Antalya and Anamur services are organised during summer
months to Girne.
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Kıbrıs Turkish
Airlines
- Lefkoşa: ++90 392 22 73 820
- İstanbul: ++90 212 267 09 73
- Ankara: ++90 312 418 04 25
- London: ++44 171 930 4851
- Heatrow: ++44 181 897 1731
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Turkish Airlines
- Lefkoşa: ++90 392 22 71 06
- Ankara: ++90 312 419 28 00/15 hat
- London: ++44 171 499 44 99
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Duty Free
Allowances
Up to 400 cigarettes per adult,or 500 gram of tobacco or 50 cigars. 1 litre
of spirits or 1 litre of wine. Up to 100cl. Perfume. NB: It is strictly prohibited
to export antiques or archaeological materials.
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Passports
and Visas
A valid passport is necessary for entering and a visa is granted on entrance
to Northern Cyprus.
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Coastline
The beaches of Northern Cyprus are among the cleanest and safest ın the Medıterranean.
The average water temperature is 24C between May and October. The summer season
sees the Hotel Beaches offering an excellent service to its customers ın terms
of eating and drinking facilities, not failing to mention the provision of beach
umbrellas and beach loungers. Some of these beaches will also offer activities
such as water skiing, banana rides, jet-ski, wind surfing and scuba diving.
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Emergency
Forest Fire 177, Police 155, First Aid 112.
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Accomodation
A wide range of accomodation is offered, ranging from 1,2,3, and 4 star Hotels,
Hotel-Bungalows, Hotel-Apartments to camping and Self Catering Apartments and
Villas.
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Traffic
Please drive on the left.Traffic and road signs are International. Maximum speed
is 100km./hr. Vehicles entering Northern Cyprus must be insured upon arrival.
Seat belts must be worn.. Drivers are prohibited to drive under the influence
of alcohol. The limit is 50 mgr (As in Europe).
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Car Rental
This service is available in all main towns and some hotels. British or International
Drivers Licence is required. Rental cars have red number plates.
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Telephone
The code for England is 00 44 followed by the local number but omitting the
first number (0). From England the code is 00 90 392 followed by the local Cypriot
number. Public telephone booths are available and telephone cards can be purchased
from the Telecommunications Office.
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Post
The outgoing postal system is reliable. Incoming mail must be suffixed “Mersin-10,
Turkey” and not “Northern Cyprus”. The history of the postal service in Northern
Cyprus will definitely be of interest to all philatelists.
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Electricity
220/240 Volts A/. A standard three pin British plug is used.
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Public Transport
A good, inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the
main towns, in addition there are Dolmuş (shared taxis) operating on the same
routes. Taxis are widely available but do not carry a meter, however, there
are standard journeys.
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Restaurants
A large selection of restaurants exist, ranging from the humble Çorbacı (Soup
House) where truly ethnic cuisine is served, to fashionable French, Chinese
and Indian Cuisine Restaurants. Prices vary accordingly. There are also a number
of excellent Cypriot Cuisine Restaurants which offer very good value for money.
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Bars
A wide range to suit all tastes, serving, local beers, rakı and brandy and of
course imported alcohol.
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Tourist Information
Tourist Information Offices are available in all major towns. Tour guides, Hotel
Receptionists, Taxi drivers and the locals are also a good source of information.
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Opening Hours
Shops are open with some variations but generally
Summer: 8:00-13:00 and 16:00-19:00
Winter: 9:00-13:00 and 14:00-18:00
Banks
(Mon-Fri)
Summer: 8:00-12:00
Winter: 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00
Public
Services
Summer:
Monday, 07:30-14:00 and 15:30-18:00
Tuesday-Friday, 07:30-14:00
Winter
Monday-Friday, 08:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:00
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Currency
The Turkish Lira. Eurocheques, Travellers Cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other
major currencies may be used or exchanged in the larger towns. NB. While no
restrictions are placed on imports of foreign exchange, large amounts should
be declared to customs upon entry. Up to $10,000 may be exported.
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Public Holidays
1 January, New Year’s Day
23 April, Children’s Day
1 May, Labour Day
19 May, Youth and Sports
Day
20 July, Peace and Freedom
Day
30 August, Victory Day
29 October, Turkish Republic
Day
15 November, Northern Cyprus
Republic Day
There are also several Religious holidays or “Bayrams” which like the Christian festival of Easter, change every year.